Debbie, our chief investment officer, has always been a competitive person. Early on she adopted the mindset that there was no point in doing something unless she was going to do it well. The financial services industry was a natural fit for Debbie because it allowed her to observe firsthand the results of her hard work. Whether it was evaluating the performance of a portfolio or seeing the impact her efforts had on a family, she always knew how well she was doing. Having that constant feedback continually inspires Debbie to perform at the highest possible level.

Debbie graduated magna cum laude from New York University’s Stern School of Business with dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics. She then gained valuable experience working for a large financial planning firm in Westchester County. During this time, she became a certified financial planner (CFP®). Debbie then went on to receive her Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College of Financial Services, which teaches the most up-to-date concepts for creating sustainable retirement income for clients. Debbie also serves as a member of the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council.

Through her experience working for a large firm, she realized that she would prefer to work in an environment where she could build and maintain close working relationships with her clients. Her desire to provide a more personalized level of service motivated her to launch 10-15 Associates with her husband Mike DeMatteo in 1986. The firm’s name is derived from the date of its founding.

As the firm’s chief investment officer, Debbie is responsible for researching the best possible investments and managing clients’ portfolios. While investment returns are an important part of Debbie’s job, the most satisfying part of her job is helping create peace of mind for the families behind the numbers. She enjoys becoming a part of her clients’ lives and sharing in their personal experiences. She also takes pride in knowing that at the end of their long careers, her clients can retire with confidence. Debbie will never forget the first time a client broke down, telling her how her efforts had made their lives so much better. She doesn’t believe there is a better job in the world.

Debbie’s professional mission is to create a firm that embodies the principles that the firm was founded on; independence, quality investment management, and always keeping the client’s priorities first! She receives her inspiration from Mike, her husband and partner. From starting the business, to his confidence in Debbie taking the lead role in managing the portfolio, to encouraging her to utilize her speaking skills, Mike’s support has been the driving force behind Debbie’s accomplishments.

Public speaking is something Debbie is passionate about because she loves to educate. She finds no greater reward than when someone approaches her after attending a financial seminar and tells her that it was the first time they truly understood everything in this type of seminar. The satisfaction of helping people make sense of financial issues and topics in a way that can positively affect their lives is fulfilling year after year.

In addition to public speaking, Debbie enjoys cooking, working out, and traveling. Most of all, she likes spending as much time as she can with her husband and three children. Debbie is also an avid supporter of several Goshen, NY-area charities.

“Care more than others think is wise; expect more than others think is possible!”